answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Businesses need guidance and measuring devices in order to make accurate decisions about continuing or discontinuing certain operations; investing or borrowing money; acquiring property and machinery, and hiring personnel. Financial analysis explains the profitably, stability, and viability of a business or a company project.

Financial analysis is usually done using ratios taken from company information like financial statements and other business tracking tools. Past performance is divided into time periods and is compared to present performance. Future probabilities are then projected from that information. Comparative performance is also measured using percentages so firms can see how they are trending within a certain market or with how their products stack-up against the competition.

Company solvency and company liquidity are also measured using information from balance sheets which indicated the financial situation of the company at a given point in time. Income statements and balance sheets are used to identify the company's stability. Those statements plus other financial indicators are studied to assess the firm's ability to stay in business if a sudden market downturn occurs that results in significant losses.

Financial Ratios Offer Businesses Several Financial Analysis Challenges

Seasonal factors can distort financial ratios and so can investor behavior that is not based on the general economy or economic fundamentals so many financial analysts use percentage analysis and comparative analysis in order to get a more accurate picture of a company's performance for specific time periods.

Percentage analysis involves quantifying an item or groups of items as a percentage of another item. Cost items are expressed as a percentage of gross sales and net income is expressed as a percentage of total sales less total expenses. Comparative analysis lists sales and cost figures side-by-side for two or more periods for easy analysis.

Some businesses use all three types of financial analysis to study growth, company solvency, and future potential. When financial analysts have the correct figures the health and life of any company is always in the hands of top management. The health of a company can change drastically in just one period, but if a financial analysis is done on a regular basis the business should be prepared for the change.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Financial Analysis: Assessing Business Health and Longevity?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Art & Architecture

A person who takes risks starting a business is a(n?

An entrepreneur, a person who sets up the business and takes the financial risks


What are the benefits of careful planning in business?

Careful planning will avoid financial problems that rushing into things can cause. It also gives you a strategy that you can follow step by step for growth and business expansion.


What business process area reports the financial status of the army to the Department of Defense DOD and the US treasury?

spending chain


How do you start a small business with no investment?

Virtually every new business requires a certain amount of financial investment. However; financial investment can be minimized depending on the nature of the business that you wish to start. Certain home based businesses only require a marginal financial investment. However; there are a few exceptions. Example: If you are a software programmer, you can probably work from your home requiring only a PC and Internet access. However; if your home-based business involves retailing or manufacturing, you will still require capital primarily for inventory. If you plan to start a business outside of a home environment, capital is required for: Building acquisition or leasing (unless you are fortunate to have someone provide you with a "work place" at no cost. Utilities expense: Telephone; electricity, etc. If you're going to sell a product, you will require funds for inventory unless you can get the inventory on consignment which is virtually impossible if you are a first time business owner. However; consignment may be possible if you can provide a co-signer. Regardless of the type of business, you will most likely require funds for advertising, unless you plan to rely on "passing-by" customers and/or "word-of-mouth". If you want to start a business without having to make a financial investment, another possible solution is to borrow the required startup capital from a person or group of people that know you very well and believe in your business plan. This, however, may have certain shortcomings such as the lender wanting to own more than 50% of the business.


Identify three distinct ways that savings are ultimately transferred to business firms in?

The Direct Transfer of Funds, Indirect Transfer using the investment banker, and Indirect Transfer using the financial intermediary

Related questions

Why do you say that financial statement analysis is management by exception?

why is financial statement analysis part of business analysis? Please answer this question, I'll need it this answer!


What is the purpose of financial accounting analysis?

Financial accounting analysis is necessary so that a business can make sure that financial matters are being taken care of without a deficit being present. Financial accounting analysis will also help a business pay the proper amounts for taxes.


What do you mean by foreign market analysis?

'foreign market analysis' is the act of assessing or evaluating new, international markets as prospective environments to do trade or business.


What do business simulations achieve?

Business simulations is used for business training and analysis. They are used to achieve: strategic thinking, financial analysis, market analysis, operations, teamwork and leadership.


What has the author Krishna G Palepu written?

Krishna G. Palepu has written: 'Introduction to business analysis & valuation' -- subject(s): Business enterprises, Valuation, Financial statements, Case studies 'Business Analysis and Valuation' 'Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements'


Function of financial system?

The financial system exists to improve analysis of financials. With more information about the financial situation of the business, the more the business can respond to changes in the market.


Apllication of statistics in business?

Statistics is applied in business in a number of ways. Some of these applications include: financial analysis, auditing, planning and econometrics.


Why is it important to separate operating assets from financial assets?

Operating assets contribute to the day to day functions of the business. While financial assets add value to the business, they do not account for profitability of the business. Financial analysis models only use the operating assets to determine future profitability.


What is automated financial analysis?

1. Financial Analysis refers to an assessment of the viability, stability and profitability of a business, sub-business or project.It is performed by professionals who prepare reports using ratios that make use of information taken from financial statements and other reports. These reports are usually presented to top management as one of their bases in making business decisions.2. Automation is the use of control systems such as computers to control processes, reducing the need for human intervention.SO, automated financial analysis is using computers with control systems (an expert system with rules) to analyze financial information.HOW DO YOU DO THIS? There is a program called ProfitCents that performs automated financial analysis. ProfitCents is a web-based application that allows users to input an income statement and balance sheet to generate a text write-up of the financial performance of a person, business, or non-profit organization.


What are Three of the most common tools of financial analysis are?

Commonly used tools of financial analysis are: Comparative statements Common size statements Trend analysis Ratio analysis Funds flow analysis Cash flow analysis. According to usage and requirements, comparative financial statements, common size statements, and vertical analysis are some of the most popular financial tools. Unlock the power of cash flow with direct integration with banks to power business insights with Paci.ai


What is the process of a valuation?

Valuation involves assessing the worth of an asset, business, or investment opportunity. This typically includes analyzing financial statements, market trends, competition, and future cash flows to determine a fair value. Various methods such as discounted cash flow, comparable company analysis, and asset-based valuation are used to arrive at a valuation figure.


What is scope of financial analysis project?

The scope is what all you are going to cover. It can be broad as in the economy, or smaller as in one business.